Faraday to William Jerdan   23 January 1833

Royal Institution, January 23rd, 1833.

Dear Sir, - So soon as I was allowed I hasten to tell you of what I am sure will, in your public and private capacity, give you great pleasure – Mr. Fuller’s¹ splendid patronage of science at our Institution. He has communicated to the managers his intention of founding a Professorship of Chemistry in the Royal Institution, with a salary of £100 per annum. He is now engaged in securing trustees of the highest national character, in whose name he may invest the large sum necessary to produce this income²; and in a week or two you will hear of the act being completed.

I need not tell you what pleasure and encouragement it gives us, at this commencement of a new season, to find that our exertions at the Institution are not in vain, but that, besides the award of high praise as to scientific character, both abroad and at home, we are also securing a continued existence by obtaining support.

I cannot resist telling you that Mr. Fuller makes it a condition that I should be the first to fill the new chair. You may be sure that I will endeavour to fill it honorably, and, if possible, make the Fullerian Professorship high in character from its very commencement.

I am allowed to tell you these things as a matter of conversation; but, if you think [it] right to use the knowledge, you must not refer to me as the source: it would look too like quackery. Whether you care about noticing Mr. Fuller’s generous intentions or not, I am sure you will be glad to know them³.

I am, dear Sir, | Most truly yours, | M. Faraday